Listen to your BARK!

Well, of course Freedom made friends…cause he’s that kind of pup! It’s funny to watch dogs figure themselves out…without speaking they just do a little butt sniff, a little wag of the tail and the back and forth “who stands taller” and then it’s off to the races. Wouldn’t life be easier if humans could do the same thing…perhaps I should test this theory out at my next stop lol.

Yesterday was a busier day so I did not post. We drove from Salisbury NC to Lexington SC with a few stops along the way to get some parts for the hot water heater and some groceries. We arrived to our Boondockers site and was greeted by a great host who I had more in common with than expected. He has a little mail box on the site with lots of useful information for campers and there were two little rubber ducks! If you know me…then you know I have a little affinity for these little yellow bobbers. Turns out he is also a Navy Veteran and was an ET (Electronics Technician). When I asked what he did for work now…well, he installs and maintains the Radio’s in all the forestry vehicles in the State…funny, seeing as I am on the heals of overseeing the NH Farm, Forest and Garden Expo in Manchester. Some of my associates are also in the Forest industry in NH and we borrow some of their equipment for the expo…plus, you know…I’m a Ham Radio kinda guy. Just thought these were some odd coincidences. Our host has two dogs and Freedom made friends quickly and roamed the lot playing fetch and tug of war with his rope.

Spent some time replacing parts on the hot water heater…it works! But for some reason I’m not getting the hot water at the faucet for more than a few seconds. Hoping it’s just and airlock issue and that our travels today might burp it out.

Last night I was visited by an old buddy Aaron…it was great to see him and catch up. We were pretty close back in high school and like most high school relationships everyone goes on to life their lives and we get the occasional opportunity to interact online. But…it was like we picked up where we left off! It was great to hear about his success in life and his wonderful family.

Today…we travel to Ruffin SC to spend a few days with my brother from a southern mother John. John and I met in San Diego back in 1990 where we both landed a spot to work at the White House. We went through advanced culinary programs together and ultimately made it to the White House after a little over a years worth of background investigations. We had our ups and our downs…but we got to experience some pretty unique things working in the Presidential Staff Mess. I “may” end up popping down to Florida to see another old buddy from our White House days…we’ll see. John went in similar directions after the service as I did and taught culinary arts in the state prison and then on to the federal prison. Grapefruit (his nickname) and I are total opposites with him being a good ol southern boy and me being from the north…it typically results in some pretty funny antics so I can’t wait.

After a few days with the fruit, we are headed to Myrtle Beach state campground for a few days at the beach…I CAN’T WAIT to see Freedom running on the beach! He doesn’t mind his monthly baths so much…so it will be interesting to see what he thinks of the water. Depending on the wind, I hope to get the drone flying to get some nice aerial shots!

Anyhoo…hope you all have a great day, remember…don’t let anyone or anything steal your jelly beans today!